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8
ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE
Milly Pumfrey
What do you do atTeddies and how long have you been at
the School?
I am an English teacher and Head of Shells and I have been at the School
for nearly four years.
Where were you before?
At The Bicester School and Oxford High School. Before that, I worked in
comprehensive schools in London and Bristol.
What do you most enjoy about your roles?
The variety in every day. Working with colleagues in teams to provide the
best experience we can for our pupils. Getting to know the Shells right at
the beginning of their Teddies journey and helping to set them off on the
right path.
How do you make sure new Shells feel welcome and happy?
Introducing them on the first morning to our values and our expectations.
Making sure they get to know their year group quickly through their
different teaching groups and extra-curricular activities. Older boys and
girls in House also look out for them plus they have a Lower Sixth mentor
right from the first term. Everyone remembers what it’s like to be new.
There is a big emphasis on kindness and friendliness.
Name some highlights from yourTeddies career so far.
Running
Readers Make Leaders
, a collaboration with the three Blackbird
Leys primary schools, in one of the most deprived areas of Oxford. This is
a 900-pupil-strong literacy festival in June in Blackbird Leys Park. We aim
to inspire the younger children to read for pleasure and provide 300 of our
pupils with valuable leadership experience. It is a transformative experience
for all. Being one of the first members of staff to train colleagues in
coaching, a powerful way of communicating in our community. Setting up
the Lower Sixth/Shell mentoring partnership and watching the Lower Sixth
develop their leadership skills as they inspire the Shells.
Which bits of the year do Shells usually enjoy the most?
There are so many opportunities that all Shells have their own favourites.
Popular choices are Shell plays, Christmas lunch and the expedition to
Brecon. Academically, getting the first blue flag I’m sure!
What do you see as the benefits of co-education?
It’s normal! A co-ed environment is doubly enriching.
What do you most enjoy about working at a school in Oxford?
Oxford is an international city and the make-up of our School reflects that.
Did you enjoy your schooldays?
Yes. My inspirational English teachers in the Sixth Form meant I studied
English at university rather than Modern Languages as I had intended. I also
spent a lot of time in the Music School and playing sport.
What would be your Desert Island book?
Impossible to say. I love rereading and discussing texts with my classes,
so my favourite books are often the ones I’m teaching. For example, at
the moment it would be
Howards End
for its compassion and relevance in
today’s world.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Everyone you meet today is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
So always be kind.